The Mind Manipulators

Sweet Snow Covered Hapiness

Chapter 1: A Winter Wonderland

The snow fell softly outside. As a breathed in and out my breath fogged up the window. I drew a small smiley face, then wiped it away so I could look out. What I saw took my breath away. I saw a small cozy town, just big enough to be a tourist attractor, yet small enough that everyone knew each other. As people hurried around they waved to each other, seeming to greet them somehow. Then I got a clear view of someone as they came across another. I read their lips and they were saying, “Merry Christmas!” I glance at a calendar hung near by. December 24. That makes sense now. As I peer more intently I realize that this would also explain the bright LED lights hung on the houses and holly on the lampposts. On the subject of houses, what in this house am I in? I got up from the window and turned to see a diminutive room that smelt of ginger snaps and a faint bit of honey. The fireplace cracked and I turned to see a small fire in the hearth. Three stockings were hung out of reach of the hungry flames, which seemed to be ravenous as they bent and twisted. Two were larger and the smaller I presumed was for a young child.

          I took a small step and felt my warm fuzzy slippers tickle my feet and I drew my housecoat nearer to myself as I sat down on a plush red couch. Facing in a new direction I saw a grand Christmas tree. It was not the size that impressed me, (for it was rather small) but the mass of gifts wrapped in colourful paper underneath. I smiled a little as I thought of the joy those presents would bring to the child in the morning. I decided quite suddenly that I wanted to go out side. I bundled up warmly; putting on a warm parka, ski pants, a tuque, mitts, a scarf and two warm boots. As I pulled open the door I was greeted by a rush of cold air. Snowflakes got caught up in my eyelashes and melted, never to reach their destination, the ground. I didn’t bother to lock the door; it was too small a town to worry about trivial matters such as that. The house (my house?) would be safe. I trudged down the unshovelled path to the (thankfully) shovelled sidewalk. I crossed the street and looked at the small selection of stores. Should I go to the bakery or the sweet shop? I warred in my mind for a moment then decided on the sweet shop.

As I entered, stomping off my boots, a bell rang. I looked at the vast variety of candies and marvelled at the selection. I walked up and down the isles debating about which to try. Out of nowhere a gentle looking elderly man popped up by my elbow.

“Hello”, he said softly in a throaty voice, “May I be of any assistance Ma’am?”

          “Well actually, I would be open to any suggestions you may have. I have no idea where to start!” I exclaimed, expounding my disbelief of the immense amounts of candies and chocolates.

          He smiled knowingly.

“If you’re looking for chocolates, our best sellers are those milk chocolate caramel swirl squares over there,” he gestured to the right, “But I’ll let you in on a little secret. We just got a shipment of the new and improved version of them yesterday. I was saving them ‘till after Christmas you know, but you can keep a secret, eh?”

          “Of course,” I immediately replied.

          “They’re twice the size now!” He exclaimed. I giggled a little at the drama, but covered it up as hiccups.

          “Of course, if you’re looking for sweets then these are my personal favourites,” he continued and started walking, motioning for me to follow,” And voilà, sour watermelon slices!”

          I grinned. I liked this old man. Then I realized he was watching me expectantly.

          “I’ll take both!” I said, knowing he would be pleased. He was.

          He helped me measure out a single person portion of each then we walked to the till. He then rang up my purchases.

          “Four dollars and ninety one cents please!” He announced. I reached into my jacket pocket and pulled out some money. I had two loonies, a toonie, three quarters and…oh no! Did I have enough?! I reached into my other pocket and felt another coin. I pulled it out. A quarter, thank goodness.

          “Here’s five dollars,” I said, giving it to him.

          “Nine cents is your change, would you like your receipt with you or in the bag?”

          “In the bag please.”

          “You have a nice night and a merry Christmas!” He exclaimed, handing me my change.

          “You too!” I called back,” And don’t you be working too hard…” I paused.

          “Walter,” he supplied.

          “Walter. It’s Christmas time!” I finished. I waved and walked out of the store. Such a sweet man.

          I continued on my way and started to whistle a Christmas tune. I lurched to halt. Where did I know that from?! Where did I learn everything I just did?! I reached for the memories that weren’t there. Who was I? It scared me that I couldn’t remember. Then the scene in front of me changed.